The Santa Barbara Police Department is urging anyone who was sickened at the half marathon on Sunday to contact their criminal investigations unit.
A Cottage Health spokesperson tells KSBY that at least 19 people entered their emergency departments in the area after running in the race, but then falling ill.
KSBY reached out early Monday morning to the police department to find out why the criminal investigations team is “on point” for this case, and whether they can share any information about the “suspicious circumstances” they shared in a press release, which read, in part:
“If you have any information or participated in the marathon and experienced unusual symptoms afterward, please contact Sergeant Andre Miller at 805-897-2330.”
KSBY’s Jessica Roe has also placed an inquiry with the Santa Barbara Public Health Department to find out what their role is in this investigation.
Half-marathon event director David Monico said in a statement to KSBY:
“Working with our medical team, the symptoms at the time of transport were not uncommon for an endurance event on a warm day. That is not to diminish the severity of an individual being taken to a hospital. Our team’s goal, as with any endurance event production, is to get people home safely. We hope that each of the participants returns safely to their family and friends.”
If you experienced symptoms or would like to reach out to KSBY News with information, you can email us at news@ksby.com.
This is a developing story, and KSBY will continue to provide updates at this link when we learn of new information.